The Rangers took Game 5 in Pittsburgh on May 9 — the day after France died — starting a comeback that eventually propelled them into the Eastern Conference finals against the Montreal Canadiens.

It was then, between Games 1 and 2, that the team took a side trip to Laval for France's funeral.

"You try to be there as a support," goalie Henrik Lundqvist said, adding: "I think we as a group, in dealing with it the right way, we come together and work for one another."

The next three games brought three victories. Despite the sadness, St. Louis had hit his stride, tying for the team lead with 13 points in the form of six goals and seven assists in 20 games.

"You try to find ways through the tough times and the good times," he said.

Which brings him and his team to Staples Center, where they will play Game 1. With an Olympic gold medal already in his pocket — he played for Team Canada in Sochi, Russia — St. Louis has a chance to add another title this year.

This prospect brings him solace, if not outright joy. But he also suspects that when the season ends, when there is no hockey to distract him, serious grief might set in.

It has been that kind of year.

"All over the map," he said. "The ups and downs."

So it doesn't really matter that the experts have pegged New York as the underdog, predicting a Kings victory. St. Louis feels confident that somewhere, somehow, France is celebrating.

The Kings' seven-game victory over Chicago in the Western Conference finals was so thrilling and emotionally draining — and that's just to watch — it might have set a new standard for playoff excellence. Simply put, it was fabulous hockey.

The NHL reduced its suspension of New York Rangers forward Daniel Carcillo from 10 games to six for Carcillo's actions toward an on-ice official May 23. Carcillo has sat out three playoff games and will be eligible to return in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Praise is being heaped upon general manager of the year finalist Dean Lombardi now that his resilient, hand-crafted Kings have won a third consecutive Game 7 road playoff game to advance to the Stanley Cup Final against the New York Rangers.